Getting pulled over by a police officer can be a frightening experience whether it’s the first time you’re experiencing the situation or the tenth time. It can be even more daunting if you aren’t sure why the officer stopped you. Many drivers wonder about the best way to act during these scenarios to ensure that the process runs smoothly both for you and for the police officer. Continue reading or contact a Bergen County, New Jersey Traffic Ticket Lawyer today for tips on how to deal with this situation.
SHOULD I STAY IN MY CAR AFTER GETTING PULLED OVER?
Yes. After getting pulled over, the best thing for you to do is to wait in your car until the police officer approaches you. Keep your hands on the wheel so the officer can see them at all times. Some people immediately try to reach for their license since they know the officer will ask for it, but this might not be the best idea. You don’t know why the officer stopped you and they might believe you or your vehicle to be suspicious, so the officer might be just as nervous as you are. If you make any sudden movements, the police officer might think you are trying to reach for a weapon. Instead, stay calm, stay seated, keep your seat belt on, and don’t speak until the officer talks to you first.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I AVOID?
There’s a likely chance the officer will also ask you why you think they pulled you over. Even if you know you were doing something wrong, always claim that you don’t know why. If you name a reason, you are admitting guilt, which is exactly what the officer is trying to get you to do. You don’t need to admit that you were committing an act that would have warranted the officer to pull you over.
Definitely avoid being combative and arguing with the police officer. You may think you are justified in disputing the officer, but this might only escalate the situation and make it worse. If you end up getting arrested, the officer can add hostile behavior to your charges, which gives you a higher chance of being found guilty in court for your other charges. You can always fight the charges later in court, so even if you believe the officer is being unreasonable, you should comply to avoid making the experience more stressful for both of you.
If you’ve recently been pulled over and are now facing traffic violations or criminal charges, you’ll probably want to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who can provide personalized legal counseling. No need to panic because the Law Office of E. Gregory Cannarozzi is here to fight for you! Contact us today for an initial consultation.